Name: Julita M.
Position: Guest Experience Expert
Hotel: Sheraton Sopot Hotel
Dream destination: Japan. As a huge fan of matcha and sushi, I would be in paradise there. I also admire Japanese culture, traditions, and beautiful landscapes. Visiting Japan would be an unforgettable experience.
Drink or treat of choice: Matcha. It describes me perfectly because it can be warm or cold, sweet or sometimes a little bitter.
How did one associate’s passion, empathy, and drive turn a dream into international recognition?
For Julita, hospitality isn’t just a career — it’s a way of life. Her passion is rooted in something beautifully simple: a deep love for connecting with people and a desire to make them feel seen and welcomed. This philosophy shines through in every guest interaction, with Julita frequently being the first friendly face to greet visitors.
As a Guest Experience Expert at Sheraton Sopot, a five-star beachfront resort on Poland’s Baltic coastline, Julita has become a symbol of what Marriott stands for: warmth, excellence, and putting people first.
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“I’ve always known I wanted to work with people,” she says. “There’s something incredibly fulfilling about helping someone feel better, even if it’s just through a smile or small gesture.”
Before joining the hospitality industry, Julita coached children in tennis and worked as a restaurant host — roles that taught her patience, empathy, and the power of great service. But it wasn’t until she joined Sheraton Sopot that everything clicked.
From day one, Julita found herself immersed in Marriott’s culture of development, opportunity, and support. “It’s a company that truly invests in people, and I knew that joining this network would open doors to learning, traveling, and career growth. Working for Sheraton Sopot and Marriott International gives me the chance to be part of something bigger.“
She embraced her role at the front desk not just as a job, but as a craft — one where professionalism and personality meet every day. That belief led her to something extraordinary: In 2025, Julita represented Poland in the AICR World’s Best Receptionist competition, one of the most prestigious global showcases for front office talents. After winning the national qualifying round, she traveled to Athens, where the competition was hosted at the legendary Hotel Grande Bretagne. There, she competed alongside 16 other finalists from around the world, navigating high-pressure role-play scenarios, group strategy challenges, and complex written tasks, all designed to reflect the real-life demands of a front desk professional.
It was an intense, emotional experience. But Julita’s ability to stay grounded under pressure — to remain empathetic, attentive, and solutions-focused — shone through. Her performance earned her third place globally, securing the title of 2nd Runner-Up. “She gave her all and fully deserves this success,” shared Radosław Kacprzak, Rooms Division Manager at Sheraton Sopot. “I’m proud to have such a dedicated and ambitious person on our team.”
Julita’s story is a reminder that behind every great guest experience is a person who cares deeply. And at Marriott, that kind of heart is always recognized.
How did you feel supported in preparing for the competition?
The support I received from my team at Sheraton Sopot and Marriott International was incredible. My colleagues volunteered to act out different guest scenarios, gave me feedback, and constantly encouraged me. They believed in me from the beginning, even when I had doubts. My managers gave me the time and space to prepare, arranged training in other hotels, such as the legendary Hotel Bristol, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Warsaw. The entire hotel was cheering me on. It felt like a shared journey, not just my own.
Do you have a mentor or someone within the network who inspired you on this journey?
Yes, my biggest inspiration and mentor throughout this journey was Radosław Kacprzak, our Rooms Division Manager. He was the one who introduced me to the idea of the competition and supported me every step of the way. His guidance, feedback, and encouragement were invaluable. He believed in me and helped me prepare mentally and emotionally for every challenge.
What was the competition like behind the scenes? What were the biggest challenges?
The competition was an incredible experience, but also very intense. Behind the scenes, there was a lot of preparation and emotional ups and downs. The most challenging part for me was the role-play scenarios, which were designed to be very realistic and test your reactions under pressure. You had to think quickly, adapt, and stay composed while still showing empathy and delivering outstanding service. It pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best possible way.
What’s next – what are your dreams or professional goals?
In the near future, I’m planning to start hotel management studies to deepen my knowledge and open more doors in the industry. Long-term, I would love to continue growing within Marriott and maybe one day take on a leadership role, helping shape the next generation of hospitality professionals.
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